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"We'll continue to look to have discussions with the other schools, but we're confident that if nothing further develops we're still in a position to offer what we need to."

Dr Matthews said subcontracting to state schools did not undermine the reason for partnership schools.

"I'm comfortable that what we're offering is high quality, and we're actually giving our students everything they need.

"I guess for us it was the idea of looking at Whangarei as a village and we can all help educate these students that have been struggling over a long period of time. But perhaps it doesn't quite end up looking like that in the end."

Tim Robinson, the chairman of Whangarei Boys' board of trustees, said a decision would be made on any arrangement this month.

"The board has got quite an open mind as to what we may end up doing."

The strong opposition of the PPTA was being considered, Mr Robinson said. The union has instructed members to deny charter school staff and management professional, sporting or cultural interactions or support.

PPTA president Angela Roberts said members had collectively decided not to "prop up" charter schools. Staff at Whangarei Boys' had serious concerns about the implications of the memorandum of understanding being considered.

Charting new course

•Charter school hopes to send some of its students to a local state school for specialist subjects.

•Such agreements are strongly opposed by an education union which says members don't want to "prop up" the schools.